There were 4 important Buddhist Councils that were held for the propogation of the religion:

Council – 1^st Buddhist Council

Place – Rajgriha

President – Mahakasyapa

Patron King – King Ajatshatru

Outcome – The teachings of Buddha were divided into three Pitakas and the Sutta Pittak and Vinay Pittak were compiled.

Council – 2^nd Buddhist Council

Place – Vaishali

President – Sabakami

Patron King – King Kalasoka

Outcome – Discussed the Buddhist monastic practices.

Council – 3^rd Buddhist Council

Place – Pataliputra

President – Moggliputta Tissa

Patron King – King Ashoka

Outcome – The third Pittak was composed

Council – 4^th Buddhist Council

Place – Kundalrana, Kashmir

President – Vasumitra

Patron King – King Kanishka

Outcome – Buddhism was divided into two sects- Mahayana and Hinayana.

Mahayana (Greater Vehicle) worshipped various images of Buddha with the advent of the Christian era. The Hinayana sect of Buddhism (Lesser Vehicle) worshipped the symbols of Gautam Buddha, like the lotus, bull, horse, wheel, Bodhi tree etc.